Spunky ‘Sylvia’ Is a Thoughtful Romp

OK, so A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia” may not be the pick of the theatrical litter when it comes to probing the depths of the human soul. Nevertheless, this breezy 1995 hit comedy about a man who finds solace from his midlife crisis by adopting a stray mutt can still charm its way past the most cynical defenses.

Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company revival smartly applies heavyweight headliners to extract considerable substance from a lightweight romp, without overburdening its good-natured appeal.

Kristi Lynes, who took over the title role from Sarah Jessica Parker on Broadway, sports her impeccable pedigree and training to fine effect as the endearing anthropomorphized manifestation of the spunky canine who converses freely with her new owner, Greg (Joe Spano). Spano’s finely nuanced Greg, a disillusioned investment broker at loose ends since his children flew the nest, is convincingly transformed by Sylvia’s unfiltered emotional purity.

Despite their hilarious and often touching exchanges, this play is about more than an ageless boy and his dog. Director James O’Neil skillfully sustains the underlying contrast between the unconditional love one experiences with animals and the compromises of complex, adult human relationships.

To clarify this distinction, the character of Greg’s wife, Kate (Laurie Walters), is pivotal. The easy choice would have been to let her increasing frustration with Greg’s doting on Sylvia turn Kate into the jealous villain of the piece. Instead, Walters keeps Kate sympathetic enough to reveal her antagonism as a defensive reaction to protect a marriage she not only believes is threatened, but also feels is worth fighting for.

Rounding out the cast in a trio of supporting roles, Marc Cardiff, shines as a fellow dog owner who bonds with Greg during their park walks, but proves less convincing as a fussy socialite, and his turn as a smarmy, androgynous therapist can’t salvage a pointless scene later that caters to silly laughs instead of paving the way for Greg’s abrupt change of heart.

Unfazed, this “Sylvia” wags away any logistical lapses, its boundless energy offering welcome uplift for the dog days of summer.

“Sylvia,” Laurel Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends Aug. 18. $33-$38. (805) 667-2900. Run time: 2:25.